The PIC12F617 MCU features 3.5 kB of self-programmable Flash program memory, and peripherals such as a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), comparator, Pulse-Width Modulator (PWM) and VREF for closed-loop-control applications - all in a miniature 3 mm x 3 mm DFN package. The new MCU provides a migration path for customers using previous-generation 8-pin PIC MCUs who wish to upgrade to a larger-memory, more peripheral-rich MCU for future designs. The product is well-suited for a variety of general-purpose applications in the consumer, appliance, industrial, medical and other markets.

The PIC12F617 MCU provides 3.5 kB of Flash programmable memory with a self read-write capability. This serves as a low-cost alternative to data EEPROM and is useful when an application requires remote updates, or the ability to store system data or look-up tables. The microcontroller features an 8 MHz internal oscillator, an on-chip 4-channel 10-bit ADC, a comparator with hysteresis and a PWM with complementary outputs that provide a framework for applications such as LED lighting control, motor control, capacitive touch keys and system monitors. Along with the new product introduction, Microchip has also announced a price reduction on the rest of the PIC16F61X family members, including the PIC12F609, PIC12F615, PIC16F610, PIC16F616 MCUs, and their corresponding high-voltage variants.

"Engineers often want to add more features and functionality to their design without having to drastically alter their design," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division. "The PIC12F617 MCU provides engineers with more features, such as self-programmable Flash, while maintaining pin compatibility with Microchip's more than 20 other 8-pin PIC12 MCUs."

Microchip's complete suite of standard development tools can be used with the PIC12F617 MCU, including the user-friendly and free MPLAB IDE, along with the HI-TECH C compiler for PIC12 MCUs. The HI-TECH Lite edition is a completely free, fully-functional compiler with no time limitations. For applications with limited program space, the Standard and PRO editions offer denser code and improved performance.

The MPLAB ICD 8- and 14-pin Debugging Header ($35) is required for debugging the PIC16F616 and PIC12F617 devices.

Availability and Pricing

The new PIC12F617 MCU is available in 8-pin PDIP, SOIC, MSOP and 3 mm x 3 mm DFN packages, starting at $0.56 each, in 10,000-unit quantities. The PIC12F609 and PIC12F615 MCUs are available in 8-pin SOIC packages, for $0.49 and $0.52 each, respectively, in 10,000-unit quantities. The PIC16F610 and PIC16F616 MCUs are available in 14-pin SOIC packages, for $0.56 and $0.65 each, respectively, in 10,000-unit quantities.